Questioning should not merely be tolerated; it should be embraced as the bedrock of a thinking society. To ask “why?” and “how?” and “who benefits?” is not a form of treason—it is a citizen’s duty.
Yes, I agree. One of the strategies that I always worked with my readers was questioning to understand— being great questioners and inquisitive about everything. One of the first things we learned in undergraduate college at Miami, was Bloom’s levels of thinking. Sadly, the statistics showed that most teachers only worked at the first three lower levels of thinking. To grow life- long critical learners, it is essential that we become more metacognitive about our teaching and thinking and intentionally work at more higher level thinking .
Thank you for sharing this thinking post, as it is our duty to ask questions and not allow censorship.
Man's original virtue is the ability to say no. Oscar Wilde. Disappointed there was no mention of freedom of speech, the first amendment. Also how the fight for individual rights since the enlightenment have been transgressed by a push for group entitlements and destruction of universality in favor of local prejudices.
This was one of the most important articles I've read in a long, long time. I'd love to locate others here at Substack who promote this idea.
Michael, I wonder if you're familiar with Jacques Barzun, professor of -- was it journalism? -- at Columbia. I've loved his books on writing, research, literature, history, and teaching. For example: his "Simple & Direct" (on writing), and his book, "Teacher in America," a collection of excellent essays. He seems to have had an admirable appreciation for classical ideas.
Thanks, Michael. Not sure what I think about the post. Sorry, that was terrible. You are correct in your assessment of all of us and society. Thanks for the reminder. Best, Richard
By the way, I purchased your book and look forward to reading it soon. Richard
Thank you. I hope you find it edifying!
Yes, I agree. One of the strategies that I always worked with my readers was questioning to understand— being great questioners and inquisitive about everything. One of the first things we learned in undergraduate college at Miami, was Bloom’s levels of thinking. Sadly, the statistics showed that most teachers only worked at the first three lower levels of thinking. To grow life- long critical learners, it is essential that we become more metacognitive about our teaching and thinking and intentionally work at more higher level thinking .
Thank you for sharing this thinking post, as it is our duty to ask questions and not allow censorship.
Man's original virtue is the ability to say no. Oscar Wilde. Disappointed there was no mention of freedom of speech, the first amendment. Also how the fight for individual rights since the enlightenment have been transgressed by a push for group entitlements and destruction of universality in favor of local prejudices.
Great points! Agreed.
This was one of the most important articles I've read in a long, long time. I'd love to locate others here at Substack who promote this idea.
Michael, I wonder if you're familiar with Jacques Barzun, professor of -- was it journalism? -- at Columbia. I've loved his books on writing, research, literature, history, and teaching. For example: his "Simple & Direct" (on writing), and his book, "Teacher in America," a collection of excellent essays. He seems to have had an admirable appreciation for classical ideas.
Thanks, Michael. Not sure what I think about the post. Sorry, that was terrible. You are correct in your assessment of all of us and society. Thanks for the reminder. Best, Richard